Native/Denaturing two-dimensional DNA electrophoresis and its application to the analysis of recombination intermediates

Two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis employs distinct electrophoretic conditions to better resolve complex mixtures of molecules. In combination with Southern analysis, 2D agarose gel electrophoresis is routinely employed to detect and analyze DNA intermediates that arise during the replication and repair of chromosomes. By separating intermediates into their component single-strands, native/denaturing 2D gels can reveal structure that is not apparent under native conditions alone. Here, we describe a general method for native/denaturing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and its application to understanding the DNA strand-composition of recombination intermediates formed during meiosis.